Despite FedEx Freight delay, NMFTA says classification changes accepted in the LTL market

Despite the largest less-than-truckload carrier FedEx Freight delaying implementation until December 1, the biggest change in the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has begun what it calls the “successful implementation” of one of the most significant updates to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system in its nearly 90-year history.

Shippers so far have agreed and are adapting to the changes, several carrier executives confirmed to LM.

In 2025 Pittsburgh-based regional LTL carrier Pitt Ohio invested a lot of time and effort to message to its customers how best to prepare for the addition of more density-based items to the NMFTA classification, Pitt Ohio Chief Marketing Officer Geoff Muessig told LM. It also updated its legacy LTL invoicing system to capture handling unit dimensions and NMFC commodity numbers, Muessig added.

“To date we have received very few questions from customers about the classification changes,” Muessig said. “In our view these recent NMFTA rating changes have been well accepted by Pitt Ohio’s customer base.”

The changes—released under Docket 2025-1—officially went into effect on July 19. They marked what the NMFTA calls “a pivotal moment” in how LTL freight is classified, rated and understood in the $66 billion market.

“These updates reflect years of thoughtful analysis and engagement with our members and LTL stakeholders,” Debbie Sparks, executive director for NMFTA, said in a statement. “The modernized classification system better aligns with how goods are packaged and shipped today, while still supporting fairness and consistency across the supply chain.”

It’s the biggest change in the 90-year-old NMFC system. The advice to shippers has been “know your freight.” That means specifying the exact density of the product as lighter freight has replaced more densely weighted freight on LTL shipments.

Shippers are now urged to report full dimensions of their shipments, not just the weights. The more information provided upfront, LTL executives say, the more accurate shipment pricing is likely to be. Freight all kinds (FAK) rates are slowly being eliminated and shippers will be penalized for less-than-accurate weights.

“Since several commodities are moving to density-based classification, it’s more important than ever for shippers to accurately record shipments’ density, weight, and dimensions. If you ship these types of commodities, the density will determine the classification,” FedEx said in a statement.

The carrier also cautioned that future charges may apply for incomplete details on a bill of lading (BOL).

“Once the changes are fully adopted, FedEx Freight may apply an inspection surcharge (Item 980, Item 981) for shipments with incomplete or inaccurate information listed on the BOL,” it added.

The company, however, is encouraging customers to start using the updated class rules now. They will start in earnest for FedEx Freight on Dec. 1.

Several analysts, including highly respected SJ Consulting founder Satish Jindel, had urged the NMFTA to delay implementation of these changes from the current peak shipping period to late this year when LTL shipments are down heading into the New Year.

To support the industry in navigating these updates, NMFTA also debuted ClassIT+ on July 15. This digital classification platform was designed to make LTL freight classification in what the NMFTA calls a “more scalable, accessible, intuitive and precise” manner.

ClassIT+ replaces the legacy ClassIT tool and serves as the exclusive new home for NMFC data moving forward.

Clete Cordero, chairman for NMFTA and vice president of pricing and traffic for Southeastern Freight Lines, Columbia, S.C., agreed.

“As a carrier, we see firsthand how misclassifications and outdated interpretations can create inefficiencies for everyone involved,” Cordero said in a statement. “With the launch of ClassIT+, NMFTA is giving carriers, shippers, and 3PLs (third-party logistics companies) a much-needed tool to simplify classification and ensure accuracy from the start.”

“We know change can create uncertainty, and our goal with ClassIT+ is to remove barriers and support users with the tools they need to succeed,” said Joe Ohr, chief operating officer for NMFTA. “Whether you're classifying freight daily or occasionally, ClassIT+ brings clarity to a system that’s evolved to meet today’s shipping realities regardless of your role.”

To learn more about the changes introduced in Docket 2025-1 and to access educational resources, visit www.nmfcchanges.com.